5 Solid Resources for Writing a Business Plan in Alabama

Starting a business in Alabama requires time, effort and patience – not to mention it even involves money. Before you start your business, there’s an essential tool that you need to create so you’ll be guided accordingly – a business plan.

Like building a house, you need to have a structural plan which is called a blueprint. However, if you start building your house without a blueprint, you’ll end up having a home which is totally different from what you had in mind. You’ll waste time, effort and resources from building the wrong structure. This is also the same when you start a business.

A business plan is essential if you want to start a company with a strong foundation. Writing a business plan however can be tedious and difficult, especially if you’re a new business owner. But don’t let the stress get into your head because in this article we’ll introduce you to 5 solid resources in creating the perfect business plan.

1) LivePlan

With LivePlan, you’re not required to know anything about business plan writing nor have any previous experience about it because the software will walk you through then entire process. Its modern and user-friendly interface will guide you as you create the perfect business plan for your company. It has share and collaboration features, an import tool and 10 beautiful themes to choose from.

You can see how your business plan will look like by reading our review.

2) SBA’s Business Plan Template

The Small Business Administration’s business plan template will assist and guide you as you write a business plan for your company. You simply have to create an account and login whenever you feel like writing your business plan.

You can save your plan as a PDF file, update it, and refer to your plan whenever you make business decisions. You can even write your business plan at your own pace, so you have the complete freedom to decide when and how to finish it. Check out SBA’s business planning tool and try it for free for first-hand experience.

3) How to Write a Business Plan: A Quick Guide

The traditional way of writing a business plan is still a great option because you’ll be able to create the most distinct and industry-specific plan for your company. Also, you’ll have a better understanding of your business plan if you create it on your own.

We’ve simplified the entire process by providing you with three easy steps: first is to gather as many relevant business plan samples as possible, second is to create structure for your business and third is to write the sections of your plan. For specific details about the process, you can see the plan here.

4) How to Write a One Page Business Plan

A brief and concise, one page business plan is better than writing a hundred pages with no idea in it. We’ve written a guide for you to make this process easier. Within the guide, you’ll discover why it is better to use a minimalist approach, the occasions where you need this kind of plan and all the guide questions that will help you write a one page business plan. See the plan here for the complete details.

5) Using Business Plan Softwares

Are you stressed out because you have zero knowledge and experience in writing a business plan? You don’t have to worry because there are business plan softwares which will make your business plan writing experience an easier one! Look into these options if you feel like LivePlan is not right for you.

Business Plan Pro

Business Plan Pro is one of the most comprehensive in the industry and is very similar to LivePlan. You can create your business plan from scratch because it has all the time-saving tools that you need. From its import tool, templates, wizards and automatic calculations, you’ll have what you need to get started.

StratPad

Another excellent business plan software is StratPad. StratPad is a cloud-based program that will assist you in business plan writing by also walking you through the process or planning and starting a business. Creating your financial statements, looking for funding and resources is easier because StratPad will help you with it all.

Enloop

Last but not the least is Enloop. One of the best things about Enloop is that users can try their services for free, no expiration date or trial period. No strings attached. The business plan software software also has one-of-a-kind features such as its autowrite tool, collaboration feature, and automated forecasts and charts.

Wrapping up and Planning for Success

When you start a business in Alabama, you won’t be asked by the state to write a business plan. It is your call to make one or not. However I highly suggest that you write one because it will help you sort through the beginning phases of your new startup. Plus it will help you when looking for funding.

More importantly, it will serve as your guide as you start your business. Make sure that you’re heading to the right path by having a business plan! Do your research now, find out the advantages of these resources and you’ll realize how useful they can be.

Liesha is a small business owner of 20 years, host of Startup Savant, the owner of a karate dojo in Maine, and creator of Work Mobly. During free time she's with her family and working on a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship.